As we look ahead excitedly to Wednesday evening’s online launch of Every Second Tuesday, here’s a few frequently asked questions pertaining to the event.

How much does it cost?
It’s completely free, though you need to register to ensure you’ll receive the special Zoom link on the day of the event. This link will be emailed by Readings about an hour before the event starts.

I love free things. Where do I get my ticket?
You can book your ticket here. For more info on the event, click here.

I booked a ticket weeks ago, but now realise I’ve got a diary clash on Wednesday night and can’t make it to the launch. Should I let Readings know?
Good news: because you’ve booked a ticket, you’ll also receive a recording of the event shortly afterwards, whether you attend on the day or not.

I live overseas and the time difference means I’ll be asleep while the launch is occurring. Help!
You don’t have to miss out. Register in the regular way, here, and shortly after the event is finished you’ll be emailed a link to a recording. You’ll receive the recording even if you didn’t attend the live event.

Will other people be able to see me at the event?
Only if you keep your video enabled. If you don’t want to be seen, you can easily turn off your video for the entire time. At Barry’s launch event for Broken Rules in September, attendees were invited to leave their video on if they wanted to. Many chose to do this, and it was fun to be able to see people. But at some events attendees are encouraged to turn their video off to conserve bandwidth and/or make the viewing experience easier for the participants. So it depends on the event. Summary: if you’re asked to turn off your video, please do; if you’re invited to leave it on, it’s entirely up to you.

Can I eat my dinner during the event?
Of course. You can do anything you want. But if you don’t want anyone to see you, remember to turn off your video. And you’ll be asked to mute your microphone, so we won’t hear you enjoying your food or doing whatever you’re doing. In fact, sometimes the microphones of everyone apart from the participants will be muted by the MC, Christine Gordon from Readings.

Is there a dress code?
No. Come as you are. But see the above answer.

What if I’m late arriving?
Don’t worry, you’ll still be admitted. Just click on the emailed link and wait for Readings to let you in from the waiting area.

What if my dog starts barking during the event?
You’ll be encouraged to mute your microphone during the event, so only the dulcet tones of the participants will be audible to the audience. So please bring your dog along. We’d love to see dogs at the launch. Especially Petula. Cats, too. In fact, all animals are very welcome.

Who’s Petula?
A dog who loves book launches. Mainly because there’s snacks involved. Though the snacks are virtual these days.

What if I have to leave early?
You can leave whenever you want. No one will judge you.

I’ve never used Zoom before. I’m not sure I’ll know what to do. What do I need to know?
It’s straightforward, and fairly intuitive. And anyway, Christine Gordon from Readings usually gives a quick run-through of Zoom and its etiquette right at the start of an event, just in case anyone is a bit unsure. One of the Elwood Writers was a trepid Zoom virgin back in March, and now they’re never off it. We won’t mention any names. Barry. Oops. Slipped out.

Do I have to download any apps or special software?
From the Readings event page: “You do not need a Zoom account to join a meeting, but mobile users will need to download the Zoom app for their device. Desktop and laptop users can either download the Zoom application or access the event via their web browser.”

I hate being on Zoom. But I’d like to see the launch.
We’d love you to attend on the night, but if you’d rather not, just register in the usual way. At some point shortly after the event has concluded, you’ll be emailed a recording which you’ll be able to watch at your own leisure. You’ll find the booking page here.

I’ve never been to a book launch before. I’m not sure how to frame this as a question, but it is a question.
Please come and join us. This is a great and easy opportunity to find out what happens at book launches, without having to leave the comfort of your own home, or wherever you are at the time. And you don’t have to do anything apart from watch. With your video turned off and your microphone muted, it’s quite close to being a voyeur or a fly on the wall. We guarantee it’ll be a fun and interesting night. And if in the unlikely event you don’t like it, you can just exit the session whenever you want without any fuss.

How long will the event last? I tend to drop off if I’m watching anything online for more than an hour.
We anticipate the event will run for about 45 minutes in total. After Lee Kofman has officially launched the book, she’ll conduct a Q&A session with the authors. Once it’s over, you can shut down your device or computer and go and do something else. Go to sleep, if you want. And you don’t have to travel to and from the venue, because the event comes to you. Accessibility is one of the many beauties of online events.

These questions are really interesting, but now I’ve forgotten what’s being launched on Wednesday night. This is a question, by the way.
We feel the question mark. The book is Every Second Tuesday, an anthology of work by Elwood Writers Jennifer Bryce, Margaret McCaffrey, Helen McDonald, and Barry Lee Thompson. It’s being launched online by Melbourne author Lee Kofman, and hosted by Readings.

Where?
Your place.

When?
Wednesday 9 December at 6:30PM.

Sorry, I’ve misplaced that link for booking. Can I have it again?
Elwood Writers | TryBooking Australia

My question isn’t listed here. What shall I do?
Pop your question in the comments and replies box below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we pick it up.